Posted By:
MeredithBurkhall
Posted On:
October 19th, 2019
Attending:
DCU
I am coaching the D2 DCU Mercy team. The team consists of 18 girls ages 16-27. Many of the young girls play on younger DCU teams but there are also older ones who have “came out of retirement” to play this season. I have really enjoyed coaching this team so far because they want to learn and are they very engaged in practice and games. Most of the older girls are playing for a hobby and love of playing basketball and the younger ones are playing up to get experience and more opportunities to play. Another reason why I really enjoy coaching this team is to see the impact I can make in their life. Being from America, playing Division 1 basketball, and on the Super League Mercy team is dream they’ve always had. So far, we have had a great start to the season and we are 3-0. The girls really enjoy playing with each other and it shows when they have so much fun every game.
The second team I am coaching is the U14 DCU Mercy girls. We practice 2 times a week, on Thursday and Saturdays. This team consists of 12 girls who are 13 years old and younger. The relationship with the girls and I have grown so much over the last 4 weeks because every practice for 5-10 minutes to talk and take break from practice. The girls came up with “Q and A with Ash and Mere Bear.” (They call us Coach Ash and Coach Mere Bear). Not sure where Mere Bear came from, but the love it. The girls have SOOOO many questions not related to basketball but this is great opportunity for me connect with the girls outside of basketball. They are curious about America, our families, pets, favorite foods, and where we’ve traveled to.
The best part about the girls we have coached so far this season is to see the girls support us (Ashley and I) and come to my Super League games, especially the U14 girls. They are so excited to watch Ashley and I play on Sundays in the DCU Complex and after practice every Saturday they run up to their parents asking and begging if they can go to our game the next day. Our first game is not until November, so I will keep you updated on their success and our journey throughout the season. I have really enjoyed coaching the D2 Mercy and U14 girls so far this season and coaching within the DCU Club and I hope the next 6 months will be as fun and enjoyable as this the first one.
